Gift Ideas: Our Kids' Music Picks

Whether it's CDs, iTunes downloads, or some other format, kids love getting music for gifts. Our editors have chosen the best soundtracks and albums of 2011 for preschoolers, elementary age kids, and tweens. (And for more specialized tastes, browse our best music lists for things like clean hip-hop music, American Idols music, Glee music for kids, holiday music, and more.)

Print our 2011 Holiday Gift Guide to get more than 70 great picks for every kid on your list.

Print 1-page summary | Download the full gift guide with reviews

Browse Gift Ideas: Our Kids' Music Picks

  • Flying! Review
    Flying!

    Outstanding music celebrates the joys of childhood.

    AGE
    2
     
    By Recess Monkey
  • Radio Wayne Review
    Radio Wayne

    Important kid lessons put to fun, danceable music.

    AGE
    2
     
    By Wayne Brady
  • The Merry Goes Round Review
    The Merry Goes Round

    Jewel's sweet sound enchants little ones with artful music.

    AGE
    2
     
    By Jewel
  • Little Nut Tree Review
    Little Nut Tree

    Folk tunes encourage kids to enjoy life's simple pleasures.

    AGE
    2
     
    By Dan Zanes
  • Jake and the Never Land Pirates Soundtrack Review
    Jake and the Never Land Pirates Soundtrack

    These pirates rock! Fun tunes for mateys of all ages.

    AGE
    3
     
    By Various Artists
  • Making Silly Faces Review
    Making Silly Faces

    Creative, kid-friendly music that entertains and educates.

    AGE
    4
     
    By Nick Deysher
  • Muppets: The Green Album Review
    Muppets: The Green Album

    Cool, modern remakes of classic, clean Muppet tunes.

    AGE
    5
     
    By Various Artists
  • Lemonade Mouth Soundtrack Review
    Lemonade Mouth Soundtrack
    Disney movie music is fresh and hip; great for all ages.
    AGE
    7
     
    By Various Artists
  • Hold on 'Til the Night Review
    Hold on 'Til the Night

    Teen vocal powerhouse sings clean yet semi-sad songs.

    AGE
    8
     
    By Greyson Chance
  • When the Sun Goes Down Review
    When the Sun Goes Down

    Slightly more mature content, but still OK for older tweens.

    AGE
    10
     
    By Selena Gomez
  • 21 Review
    21
    Clean songs about love; most likely to appeal to older kids.
    AGE
    12
     
    By Adele

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More for you and your family

About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
Our child development rating guidelines

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